Reports claiming Alok Verma was considering probe into Rafale deal 'false': CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday rejected reports claiming that its exiled chief Alok Verma was divested of powers because he was considering an investigation into the alleged irregularities in the Rs 58 crore Rafale deal.

Terming the reports as false, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said, “This is being manufactured by vested interests. Every file in the CBI at each level is accounted for.” The spokesperson said that such reports were having “adverse impact” on the credibility of the CBI.

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“These news stories appearing in the media will have an adverse impact on the credibility of the agency. The CBI is fighting cases internationally. Credibility shouldn’t suffer,” he added.

In a dramatic move by the Narendra Modi government on Tuesday night, CBI director Alok Verma and his deputy, special director Rakesh Asthana were deprived of their powers. Both warring CBI officers were sent on leave and M Nageshwar Rao was appointed as interim chief of the agency/

The Opposition parties slammed the Modi government for the unprecedented decision with Congress president Rahul Gandhi claiming that the move was taken out of fear as Verma was considering a probe into the Rafale deal.

The CBI, however, came out with a clarification and said that both Verma and Asthana will remain its director and special director, respectively.

The agency said that Nageshwar Rao will look after the “duties and functions of the CBI Director in the interim period till the time CVC looks into the allegations against Verma and Asthana.”

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, on Friday will hear the petition filed by Verma against the Centre’s decision to divest his powers. Verma claimed that the decision taken by the government was illegal.